The 6400 Zone is created to help you gain access to useful software updates and great shareware programs that add functionality to your system. It is also a one stop road map to other informative sites for answering your questions. Most of the info here is geared towards the 6400, but it is useful for all PCI Performa models and even the 6500 and all-in-one Macs based on the same. It's even useful to other MAC systems. I will be referring to my 6400/200 clocked to 220Mhz as just 6400/220, OK.

I will keep it updated as often as I can but I don't have much free time to work on it, so I suggest you check back at least once a week. That should be sufficient. If you don't see something you would like to see here or have your own software / web site that would benefit the MAC community, please write to me at TMK12v@aol.com and I will check it out.

Hot Topics:

• L2 G3 upgrade info for the 6400 -
• Current problems with my system -
• My 6400 Take Apart manual -
• Alternate OS's on a G3 accelerated 6400-
• ATI Rage 128 compatibility?-
• Voodoo3 compatibility?-
• Gaming on the 6400-

Sonnet announces 500Mhz L2 G3!: Looks like the G3 vendors are really going to use the new 10x CPUs for us too. Power Logix first announced the 400Mhz G3 for the 6400 and now Sonnet announces the first 500Mhz G3 for the 6500. The price is high considering a new G4 is only $600 more but for those that want a really fast 6500, now is your chance. It will most likely only run at 400Mhz in the 6400 due to our slower bus speed so I wouldn't consider it to 6400 owners.

[Crescendo G3/L2
Sonnet's breakthrough 500 MHz cards reach out to 20th Anniversary Macintosh owners as well. The 500 Mhz card, which also works in the Power Mac 5500 and 6500, expands Sonnet's offerings which previously ranged from 250 to 400 MHz for these machines.

Pricing
Encore G3 500/1MB for G3 Power Macs $899.95
Crescendo G3/PCI 500/1MB for PCI Power Macs $999.95
Crescendo G3/L2 500/1M for "Upgrade-challenged" Macs $999.95]

Clarification on Power Logix's fastest L2 G3 offering: I received word from Power Logix on the speed settings of their 400Mhz L2 G3. It seems in a 6400 it WILL have a 10x bus ratio to get us 400Mhz and in the 6500 is will run an 8x ratio to get 400Mhz. This is a good choice for 6400 users right now as I don't think IBM or Motorola will make anything higher then a 10x ratio so 400Mhz is it for us. I can't wait to test it!

I have updated my L2 G3 comparison page to reflect this new info.

G3 compatibility with OS 9?: I have been getting a few requests on whether the L2 G3 cards will work with OS 9. If anyone has any info please email me. Thanks.

Reader Request page updated: Mark installed a Sonnet G3 in his 6400 and now he gets modem port errors when trying to go online. Click here to read more. Thanks. I also made a table of contents at the top of my Reader Request page as it was getting very large and hard to find the new postings.

Update on reader request "External HD crashes 6400 with OS 8.6 installed": Nicholas sends word that he has found a solution but not a fix for his problem. It turned out to be his external CD-R but he hasn't found away to use everything together yet. He is also having modem issues with his Newer L2 G3 installed. Looks like Newers G3 is having all the same issues as Sonnets now :(

Update on reader request "Very frustrated G3 user!": Donato sends word that a new card fixed his problem so far. Thanks for the update.

Sound issues with Newers G3 update: Speaking of issues, here is an update from Claudio who is having sound issues with Newers L2 G3. Looks like both Sonnet and Newer have sound issues :( I really think it has something to do with timing issues due to the faster CPU but Vimages G3 never had this problem? Maybe that double boot isn't so bad after all!

[Tom :
Hi... to make a story short ... I got in touch with Newer's Tech support (very laconic by the way; and not very helpfull ) and they decided to send me a new card... Well the problem still persist , especially with voice recognition.... it seems like the program needs more memory or the whole way the sound works on the computer somehow needs a "push" or something .... I am happy with the speed but not to thrill about the side effect on the sound part .I also saw in your Web site that there is another user ( Brent) reporting the same problem by the way he nails it exactly on the way some of the sounds play trough... in a way I am happy I am not the only one... Something tells me the Newer driver needs a tune up ..... I am pondering sending this card back for a refund an continue using the Vimage card until further development ....also I am hesitant now that Mac Os 9 is bringing mainly voice recognition capabilities as a part of the whole upgrade core. Hopefully the reseller will take it back. Well if you heard anybody else that can share some experience on this issue I will appreciate it.
Thanks again.
Claudio.]

Later Claudio sent another reply stating he returned the Newer G3 and reinstalled his Vimage G3.

[Tom:
I decided to return the card after all and reinstall the Vimage card; now; I did talk to the people that actually sold me the card ( Upgradestuff) and David ( a sales person) told me this, he has heard of other customers ( a few) that had complained about this very same issue and since there is not that many people actually using these cards, perhaps that is why Newer is not completely aware of this problem.He mentioned a person that was working with in the music business and using his Performa for sound editing and had similar problems.He also explained and we both agree , that the 6400 is a very picky machine when it comes to sound issues, so it is possible that the architecture of the card is not totally compatible. In any case I regret to have to return the product, but I am happy that at least I got to try it ,I will probably buying a new G4 next year so for now I will have to do with this one, I already pre-order OS 9 and I am starting to wonder what set of new incompatibilities this new OS will unleash ..Apple always keeps us on our toes. Hey that was a great picture of you on your page and again I am always looking forward to reading it . By the way the other guy that was having the same problem with this never e-mail me back so I don't know what he did. Thanks again.
Claudio.]

More Vimage CPU info from Steve: Steve sent me some more info from his Vpower 240 G3. Thanks Steve.

[Welp, here's the labelling on the chip:

S236 70W001 // No idea what this means
XPC750 // Didn't xlr8yourmac mention that an X means a
// pre-production sample? I got one of the first.
ARX233LE // A = 0.29 um CMOS, core voltage 2.6V
// RX = ball grid array package
// 233 = speed rating
// L = application modifier, no special design
// E = revision level
72H30E // Motorola chip designation?
DFY9828D // Place, year and week of manufacture.

The cache chips are rated 117MHz.
Steve]

A request of mine: Does anyone know how to create a web page that would basically just send anyone trying to visit it to another web site? I want to make a new way to get to my home page but I have to leave my home page on AOL's hometown service to keep the extra HD space they are supposed to have given me. Basically I want a page to redirect people to another page. Please email me if you can help. Thanks

Concern over the status of The 6400 Zone web site?: Many people have written with concern on what my intensions are with my web site since I just posted one of my 6400's for sale. Well don't worry, I am staying for a long time :) I only want to sell one of my 6400's to save up some money for a new G4 but probably not until the 450 sawtooth version drops to the $1500 price range. I suspect this will happen around March of next year. Anyway I love hosting this site and being able to help all of you so even if I didn't have a 6400 the site would remain!

Reply from PowerLogix on their L2 G3 cards for the 6400: I know a lot of you are waiting to hear about PowerLogix's G3 upgrades for our computers and so was I. I sent tem an email and got a reply today. Some very good news for 6400 owners too!

[>Hello, my name is Thomas Koons and I host the web site called "The 6400
>Zone" and would like to ask you a few questions on your L2 G3's. I know
>they are not ready yet but could you please try to answer to the best of
>your knowledge.
>
>1. are the CPU's copper or aluminum based? If possible could I get the
>brand name (IBM or Motorola)?

Only 333MHz and faster processors are copper. We use both Motorola and IBM chips depending on availability.
>
>2. does the 400Mhz CPU run at 400Mhz in the 6400? (40Mhz bus)

Yes.
>
>3. do you plan on using the new 10x bus G3's to make a 400Mhz G3 for the
>6400 if not already?

Yes.
>
>4. any known incompatibilities?
>
Not at this time, but the cards are still in beta.

>5. I know this my be a little pre mature but do you have any plans for a
>L2 G4 card?
>
It is doubtful that these machines will be able to run G4 due to the slow bus speeds.

>6. If possible I would like to test your fastest upgrade for the 6400. I
>have tested and reviewed Vimages and Sonnets L2 G3's in the past and
>would like to add yours to my web site. You can read the other reviews here.
>http://members.aol.com/tmk12v/Vpower240_review.html
>http://members.aol.com/tmk12v/Sonnet_L2G3_review.html

I will add you to my list for review cards.
Sincerely,
Robin

Marketing Coordinator
PowerLogix R&D, Inc.
3921 Steck Ave., Ste A-105
Austin, TX 78759
512-795-2978, ext 106
http://www.powerlogix.com]

Just incase you read over it they said the 400Mhz version will run 400Mhz in the 6400 due to the new 10x G3 CPU's! This is great and what is even better is that its only $599 right now! This makes it not only the fastest but then lowest priced fastest G3 upgrade for the 6400. I hope they can send me one soon so I can review it :) Also note they said the G4 would probably not be a wise upgrade path for the 6400/6500. Read on to find out why?

B&W G3 owners in uproar over blockage of G4 upgrade path!: Many of you have probably read by now that many B&W G3 owners are very angry over the fact that it seems Apple may have disabled their ability to upgrade to a G4 CPU. Whether this is true or not you may want to read this article posted on The RMRP that basically says the G4 is just to fast for the current line of Macs. Only the 400Mhz G4 comes slow enough to not make the mother board of the B&W G3 a bottle neck. Also if you read reports that others have posted on the web about Apples lowend 400Mhz G4 you'll notice they all refer to it as a "tweaked" B&W G3 mother board to run the G4 CPU. I don't know how much tweaking they did but maybe they are using the same mother board design but with some upgraded chip sets on it for the G4? This would make sense as Apple as stated the G3 was not marketed as upgradable and maybe it wouldn't even be worth it unless you were happy with just a 400Mhz G4? These are just my opinions and I too wish they would just let the CPU upgrade vendors worry about G4 uprade failures and returns rather then getting all this negative press. Who knows, maybe it might still be worth it even if you couldn't run the altivec optimised code due to bus saturation?

Apple is taking preorders for Mac OS 9.0!: if you want to be the first to get Mac OS 9.0 then click here. They have it posted for $99 and to ship in about 50 days.

Sound issues with Newers G3: I received this letter from Brent who is having some sound issues with his Newer L2 G3.I'm not sure if these are the same as the Sonnet Sound issues as I would hate to see another G3 with major issues!

[Tom,

I just purchased the Newer Tech L2 G3 upgrade (300/200 w/1MB cache) for my Performa 6360 and wanted to report my findings.

After a very unusual situation in which all of my SCSI devices would no longer be recognized, I think I have everything in working order now. (Reinstalled the card and both DIMMS.)

The speed boost is very evident and I love it. BUT I do have a sound problem that I find unacceptable! Some sounds (like audio CDs, game sounds, etc.) appear to be distorted and overdriven. On "DGen 1.1.6" (a Sega Genesis emulator), the actual pitch sounds like it has been lowered half an octave or so. This is very strange and annoying.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced these problems? I plan on contacting Newer on Tuesday to inquire about these problems. If I find out anything, I will let you know.
Thanks!
Brent
guitarmn@feist.com]

G3 processor type update: Steve just sent word that the G3 CPU on his Vimage 240/512k card is a Motorola (aluminum) spec'd at 233 MHz. Thanks Steve. This is in response to Toshiaki's request from my Update 9/3/1999. I guess Vimage just bumped it up 7Mhz to get 240Mhz. This is not a big jump to start worrying about stability though and I bet the other L2 G3 vendors do the same thing.

Voodoo3 works with Sonnet G3?: I recieved a letter from Yann who has a French version of OS 8.6 and has the Voodoo3 running with his Sonnet G3. Thanks for the info Yann. I wonder if its more a 6500 G3 issue then a 6400 G3 issue as the reports I got that said the Sonnet G3 didn't work with the Voodoo3 were from 6500 owners. If anyone else has a 6400/6500 with the Voodoo3 I would love to here how its working.

[Hi,
your site is great, i would like to report that i have a 6400/180 with french os 8.6 and sonnet's l2 g3 upgrade (240 mhz)with last crescendo driver and it work well with my new Voodoo 3/2000, with last beta 2 drivers from 3dfx.


To install it, 1st don't forget to delete all other useless drivers,and don't forget to press reset button on the motherboard.


After changing the Rom of the card, i started my computer 1st without 3dfx drivers to test, it worked (without acceleration of course).


Then put drivers, but the way 3dfx drivers are loaded after crescendo drivers.Oh yes and since i removed the modem (useless now)my computer don't crash with sonnet's card (just freeze sometimes at startup, once a day, never during normal use, oh yes one day it freezed for 10 minutes and unfreezed itself ... i don't know how ???)


and it seems to work. 2d acceleration is not perfect (but great in comparison of inboard video, and great for a beta stage), but i could use photoshop, starcraft, word ... 3d is great.
Hope theses information could help someone,
thanks again,
Yann]

Another 6400 user web site: Charlie sent me this link to another 6400 users web site with personal experiences posted on his troubles and triumphs on using his 6400. Thanks Charlie

Surprise! Yep this is me. I thought it was about time I posted a picture of myself. Its not my best picture but it lets you see who the guy on the other side of this site is :) The 6400 pictured is my 6400/180 that has Sonnets L2 G3 in it right now. This was the 6400 used to make all those photos for my Take Apart manual. Its up for sale now so I hope it goes to a good home.

I'll have this picture posted on my Manuals site once it leaves here. By the way, thats not a pony tail in the back, its just some ceramic stuff on the dresser behind me :)

ATI has a patch for the Rage 128 cards and the 6400/6500!: I just saw that ATI has posted a patch that allows their new Rage 128 cards to work again on our 6400's :) I also read on Accelerate Your Mac 8/28/99 that two 6400 users with Vimage G3's also have it working so it looks like a winner! The patch only works with the 4.0 or 4.0.1 drivers but there is no reason for it with older drivers as you need the 4.0.x drivers for the Rage128 cards. This is definitly good news!!!

My Vimage Info page on Vimage's G3 upgrade for the 6400

My Vimage Compatibility page

My Vimage User Letters page

My Vimage install reviews

My Sonnet Tech Info page on Sonnet's G3 upgrade for the 6400

Hack to make Sonnets G3's more stable

My Sonnet Compatibility page

My Sonnet User Letters page

My Sonnet install review

My Newer Tech Info page on Newer's G3 upgrade for the 6400

My Newer User Letters page

My PowerLogix Info page on PowerLogix's G3 upgrade for the 6400

L2/G3 comparison page

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in purchasing a CD with my entire up-to-date site as well as my 6400 Take Apart manual plus many of the past Just Updates included? I think this would be a great idea for anyone who hasn't been able to keep up or never saw my site until recently. Also for those of you with Sherlock the CD is even better cause you can tell Sherlock to index the CD and then you can do a search on any topic and if I ever talked about it, you'll find it! I have info as far back as mid 1997. I'm asking $15 which includes shipping for US residents (not sure what the price for international shipments would be yet?) and I will even include a few surprises! To make this offer even juicier I can add some download that you've been trying to get but just couldn't for some reason. Lets put my cable modem to work :)

I found a great way to earn some money while getting great deals to you on Macintosh books and software plus they have all kinds of other books, music, and more. Please click on the amazon.com link on the top of this page whenever you feel like purchasing something to help sponsor this site. If you're unsure of what you want and wish to get a list of Mac related items, just type Macintosh in the search field on their home page and you will be presented with many choices to select.

Jeff did some digging in to the new code that displays the frames on my site with AOL ads and found a link that can be used which will not show those annoying ads. Here is the address. http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/TMK12v/home.html
Thanks Jeff, for sending this info. PS don't let AOL find out :)

I have been having a pause in all apps and the mouse when using Logitecs USB Wheel mouse on an ADS USB card. I haven't traced it down but one other person had a similar issue but with an ADB trackball which means it may not be a USB issue? Click here for more info.

When I first installed the cable modem I got some crashes when I shut down. I traced it to Farallons COMM II ethernet extension version 2.0. With version 1.1 the 6400 shuts down fine. I emailed Farallon and am waiting for a reply.

UPDATE on Farallons 2.0 extension for their 10/100 COMM II ethernet card not compatible with OS 8.6: Paul emailed saying he had the same problem but it may not have been the Farallon extension causing the problem. All I know is that when I reinstall the older 1.1 version the problem goes away. Thanks Paul.

[I had this same problem when I first installed 8.6. I e-mailed Farallon and got a response that said they had not seen this problem before. I managed to resolve the freezes and it was not due to the Farallon 2.0 extension. I think it was BeHierarchic (3.1.1) that was the offending control panel but I honestly can not remember what I had to do to fix it. I have been racking my brain all day trying to remember the fix. If I do remember I'll post ASAP
Paul]

8/20/1999 Farallons Comm II slot driver may work with OS 8.6 after all?: I just received this from Sheldon who said he found that removing ATI's extensions kept the crash at shutdown from happening with Farallons 2.0 driver. I'll have to try for my self. Thanks.

[Hello!
I was just reading through your site when I noticed that there was confirmation with the Comm slot 2 vers 2.0 driver and 8.6 problem a reader reported.

Well, I've got the Farallon Comm slot 2 card-8.6 and I noticed something that might be very helpful.

I just installed the Voodoo3 card and I trashed every single ATI extension. Cable modem no longer hangs at reboot, restart,3 -finger start. I can shut-down, restart without any problems.

6500/250
I purchased an Orion card that is still sitting on the shelf =(. Voodoo3 runs the same as a Voodoo2 for 3d in my system, same FPS with either card. The advantage is the 2d with the V3 card. Very nice indeed =).

No QT accel though.

The fix is complete for the ATI Orion card and the 603e CPU and should be posted soon according to Chris Bentley- ATI, Mike Breeden-xlr8. IMO. the Rage 128 and a Voodoo2 would be the perfect set-up for the 54-64-6500 systems. Although it will be a tough decision to pull out the Voodoo3 board =).We'll see how the Orion performs when the fix is posted. I will also keep an eye on the ATI vers 4.0 extensions to see if they are compatible with the Comm slot 2 card.
Thank-you for your time
Sheldon]

I hope his comments on the ATI rage128 drivers are true? many 6400/6500 users will be happy with that.

I use a Performa 6400/180 OS 8.6, Performa 6400/200 OS 8.6, PowerBook G3/233 OS 8.6, and a PowerBook DUO 270c OS 7.5.5. All of the software updates posted here are currently running on one or the other with minimal problems. If I do encounter a problem, I will post it for all to read and respond to. If you are having any problems and would like help just email me and if I can answer it I will, or I will post it here for others to read and respond to.